How To Train To Be A Volunteer At A Church

Transcription

1 2014 Tax Season Training Schedule

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Registering for Training 2 Training Updates 2 3 Summary of Training Requirements 3 Volunteer Orientation 4 Front Desk Manager Training 5 C.A.S.H. Advisor Training 6 C.A.S.H. Advisor Introduction 6 C.A.S.H. Advisor Refresher 6 How to Read a Credit Report 6 Tax Preparer Training 7 Overview 7 Basic Tax Prep 8 Advanced Tax Prep (Returning Volunteers ONLY) 9 Link & Learn 10 Open Lab: Extra Time to practice returns or complete the IRS test 10 Optional Trainings for Returning Volunteers ONLY 11 Quality Review Training 11 Cancellation of Debt 11 Health Savings Account 11 Additional Info for Tax Preparers 12 Map: United Way/Red Cross 13 Map: MCC Brighton Campus 14 Page 1

3 REGISTERING FOR TRAINING All volunteers need to be registered on to sign up for trainings. If you need assistance registering on the Volunteer Hub website, please contact Berta Rivera at or TRAINING UPDATES Attention Returning Tax Preparers Advanced replaces Refresher C.A.S.H. has revised our volunteer tax preparer training to comply with changes the IRS has made in their definitions for Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Volunteer certification 1. New volunteer tax preparers will complete Basic Training, and experienced C.A.S.H. tax preparers are encouraged to complete Advanced Training. The Advanced Training replaces the Refresher Training that was offered in the past. Please refer to the Tax Preparer Training section for more information. Advanced Tax Preparation Topics A & B no longer offered The Advanced Topics classes that were offered in previous years have been discontinued. This information will be incorporated in Basic and Advanced training as appropriate. Link & Learn Tax Training extended from 2 hours to 4 hours Based on volunteer feedback, we have extended classroom time for experienced volunteers who choose to use the IRS developed Link & Learn online training and certification. Please refer to the Tax Preparer Training section for more information about the Link and Learn option. New Topics for Tax Preparers Health Savings Accounts & Cancellation of Debt Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Requires Basic or Advanced Certification Health Savings Accounts allow individuals with high deductible health insurance to use tax deductible contributions to pay qualified medical expenses. These accounts are gaining popularity among C.A.S.H. clients. The IRS requires a separate test to certify volunteers who will prepare returns for these clients. We encourage all experienced volunteers to complete this training. 1 In the past, the IRS defined 3 certification levels for volunteers: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. In order to best serve our clients, C.A.S.H. trained all volunteer tax preparers to certify at the Intermediate level. This year, the IRS redefined Basic and Advanced certification requirements, and eliminated that Intermediate level. Most of the elements previously required for Intermediate certification are now part of the new Basic definition, and C.A.S.H. will train new volunteers to certify at the new Basic level. A significant number of C.A.S.H. clients are self employed, and need to have a Schedule C (C EZ) prepared as part of their tax return. This element of tax preparation, along with IRA income and other items important to C.A.S.H. clients were previously part of Intermediate certification, and are now part of Advanced certification In order to continue to provide the same level of service to C.A.S.H. clients; we will train experienced volunteers to certify at the new Advanced level. Page 2

4 TRAINING UPDATES Cont. Cancellation of Debt (COD) Requires Advanced Certification Generally, if a debt for which one is personally responsible is cancelled or forgiven, the cancelled amount must be included in income. Volunteers who complete this training will be certified to prepare returns for clients who have had cancellation of debt for their home or a nonbusiness credit card. Other forms of cancelled debt are not in scope for volunteer tax preparation services. We have seen an increase in the number of clients with canceled debt. We encourage all experienced volunteers to complete this training. SUMMARY OF TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Volunteer Role All Volunteers Front Desk Manager C.A.S.H. Advisor Tax Preparer Quality Reviewer (Only Returning Tax Prep Vols.) Experience Level New Returning New & Returning New Returning Required Training Volunteer Orientation Front Desk Manager C.A.S.H. Advisor Intro C.A.S.H. Advisor Refresher Optional Training Volunteer Orientation N/A Credit Report Review New Basic Tax Prep Training Health Savings Certification (HSA) Returning Returning Advanced Tax Prep Training Or Link & Learn Advanced Tax Prep Training AND Quality Review Training Quality Review Training Health Savings Certification (HSA) Cancellation of Debt Certification (COD) Health Savings Certification (HSA) Cancellation of Debt Certification (COD) Returning volunteers are encouraged to invite recruit new volunteers for Orientation. Returning volunteer tax preparers are encouraged to complete the Advanced Tax Preparation Training. If they prefer, they may take the Basic Training. Returning C.A.S.H. Advisors are welcome to take the Intro course rather than the Refresher. All volunteers, especially returning volunteers, are encouraged to complete training in more than one role. All training materials and reference documents will be provided. Refreshments are provided at sessions scheduled for at least 4 hours. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments. Page 3

5 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Attendance is required for all NEW C.A.S.H. volunteers. Returning volunteers are welcome. C.A.S.H. is about more than preparing tax returns. Orientation provides an introduction to our mission and goals, an overview of what happens at a site, expectations of volunteers, and review of the training program. Note: If you attended a recruitment meeting where orientation material was covered, you are welcome, but excused from attending Volunteer Orientation. Register for one of the following classes online via Orientation 1 Sat, Nov am 11 am United Way, 75 College Avenue* Orientation 2 Thu, Nov. 21 5:30 pm 7:30 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* Orientation 3 Sat, Dec am 1 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* Orientation 4 Sat, Jan. 4 9 am 11 am United Way, 75 College Avenue* *See map on page 14. College Avenue runs between Prince St. and N. Goodman St., one block north of University Ave. (behind the Memorial Art Gallery), and one block south of Main St. (behind the Auditorium Theater). Page 4

6 FRONT DESK MANAGER TRAINING Attendance is required for both new and returning Front Desk Managers (FDM). Register for one of the following classes online via FULL FDM 2 Sat, Jan 4 12:30 pm 2:30 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* FDM 3 Tue, Jan 7 9 am 11 am United Way, 75 College Avenue* FDM 4 Mon, Jan 13 5:30 pm 7:30 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* *NEW*FDM 5 Thu, Jan 23 6:00 pm 8:00 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* *See map on page 14. College Avenue runs between Prince St. and N. Goodman St., one block north of University Ave. (behind the Memorial Art Gallery), and one block south of Main St. (behind the Auditorium Theater). Page 5

7 C.A.S.H. ADVISOR TRAINING C.A.S.H. Advisor Introduction Attendance is required for all new C.A.S.H. Advisors. Register for one of the following classes online via CA Intro 1 Sat, Jan 4 12:30 pm 4:30 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* CA Intro 2 Tue, Jan 7 5:30 pm 9:30 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* CA Intro 3 Wed, Jan 15 9 am 1 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* CA Intro 4 Sat, Jan 18 9 am 1 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* C.A.S.H. Advisor Refresher Attendance is required for all returning C.A.S.H. Advisors. Register for one of the following classes online via FULL CA Refresher 2 Sat, Jan 4 3 pm 5 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* CA Refresher 3 Fri, Jan am 12 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* CA Refresher 4 Sat, Jan pm 2 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* *NEW* CA Refresher 5 Thu, Jan 23 5:30 pm 7:30 pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* How to Read Credit Report Training This is an optional opportunity for all volunteers. Register for one of the following classes online via How to Read a Credit Report 1 Fri, Jan. 3 10:00am 11:30am United Way, 75 College Avenue* How to Read a Credit Report 2 Tue, Jan 14 5:30pm 7:00pm United Way, 75 College Avenue* *See map on page 14. College Avenue runs between Prince St. and N. Goodman St., one block north of University Ave. (behind the Memorial Art Gallery), and one block south of Main St. (behind the Auditorium Theater). Page 6

8 TAX PREPARER TRAINING Overview: Every year, every C.A.S.H. volunteer tax preparer (returning, as well as new) must pass the IRS certification test(s). The level of certification determines the type of tax returns you may prepare at C.A.S.H. The training options below include time to take the test. Basic training and certification is offered for new volunteer tax preparers. Experienced volunteer tax preparers are encouraged to train and certify at the Advanced level. We also encourage experienced volunteers to complete the COD and HSA training. We highly advise all volunteers to take advantage of our classroom training options. For those who would prefer to complete an online training course, the IRS offers Link & Learn. The amount of time required to complete the Link & Learn course depends on your familiarity with tax prep it can take 20 or more hours to complete the course and certification test. If you choose the Link & Learn option, you must attend the 4 hour Link & Learn class offered by C.A.S.H. During that class you will review NYS tax law and C.A.S.H. practices and procedures. Basic Advanced Link & Learn Quality Review Cancellation of Debt (COD) Health Savings Account (HSA) Required for new tax preparers, returning preparers are welcome. Five 4 hour sessions, including time for practice and test taking. Recommended for returning or experienced tax preparers. Three 4 hour sessions, including time for practice and test taking. Online course for returning or experienced tax preparers. This course also requires attending a 4 hour C.A.S.H. Link & Learn class. Required for returning or experienced tax preparers who want to be Quality Reviewers. Volunteers need to be certified BEFORE attending this class. (Advanced Certification is preferred.) One 4 hour session. This course will review requirements for certification to complete Cancellation of Debt (COD) entries. Volunteers need to be certified at the Advanced level BEFORE attending this class. One 2 hour session. This course will review requirements for certification to complete Health Savings Account (HSA) entries. Volunteers need to be certified at the Basic or Advanced level BEFORE attending this class. One 2 hour session. Classes fill up quickly; please enroll early so we can accommodate everyone in a small class. If you are unsure about which course you should take, please contact Assistant Director, Berta Rivera, at or brivera@empirejustice.org. Tax Training Location: see map on page 15 All tax preparation training is located in the 1 st floor computer labs of Building 11 on the MCC Brighton Campus on 1000 East Henrietta Road Rochester, New York Parking: see map on page 15 Parking for CASH Volunteers is reserved to lot M and M1 ONLY. C.A.S.H. is not responsible for any tickets you may receive if parked in an incorrect lot Page 7

9 Tax Preparation Basic Attendance is required for all new Tax Preparers. Returning Tax Preparers are welcome. Volunteers should be comfortable with computers. The last session of each Basic course will be the I.R.S. test (Basic and Intermediate certification). Choose one Basic course and register for each of the five sessions of your chosen course on BASIC 2 REVISED BASIC 3 BASIC 4 REVISED BASIC 5 BASIC 6 BASIC 7 A Sat 1/11 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 B Sat 1/11 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 C Wed 1/15 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 101 D Sat 1/18 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 E TEST Sat 1/18 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 A Tue 1/7 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 B Thu 1/9 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 C Tue 1/14 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 D Wed 1/15 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 E TEST Thu 1/16 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 A Mon 1/6 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 B Wed 1/8 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 C Mon 1/13 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 D Wed 1/15 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 E TEST Thu 1/16 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 A Mon 1/6 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 B Wed 1/8 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 C Fri 1/10 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 D Mon 1/13 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 E TEST Wed 1/15 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 A Mon 1/6 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 B Wed 1/8 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 C Fri 1/10 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 D Mon 1/13 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 E TEST Wed 1/15 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 A Mon 1/13 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 B Tue 1/14 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 C Wed 1/15 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 D Thu 1/16 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 E TEST Sat 1/18 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 Page 8

10 Tax Preparation Advanced Training Returning Volunteers Attendance is required for all returning Tax Preparers. This course is also available for professional tax preparers. The IRS Advanced certification test will be administered during the third session. Each course consists of 3 sessions (A, B, C Test). Register online for each session of your desired course. A Thu 1/2 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 Advanced 1 B Tue 1/7 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 C TEST Thu 1/9 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 REVISED Advanced 2 REVISED Advanced 3 Advanced 4 Advanced 5 Advanced 6 Advanced 7 A Tue 1/7 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 B Thu 1/9 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 C TEST Tue 1/14 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 A Mon 1/6 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 B Wed 1/8 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 C TEST Thu 1/9 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 A Sat 1/4 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 B Sat 1/4 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 C TEST Sat 1/11 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 A Mon 1/6 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 B Wed 1/8 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 C TEST Mon 1/13 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 A Mon 1/6 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 B Wed 1/8 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 C TEST Fri 1/10 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 A Sat 1/11 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 101 B Sat 1/11 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 101 C TEST Sat 1/18 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 Page 9

11 Link and Learn: 2 Part Training Link and Learn is a 2 part training option available to volunteers who would like to review the I.R.S. materials and take the IRS certification tests on their own time. C.A.S.H. provides all training materials and instructions on how to access Link and Learn online. Contact Berta to arrange pick up of materials at or brivera@empirejustice.org. Part 1: Online IRS Link & Learn Course: Volunteers will need to complete online IRS Basic and Intermediate Link & Learn course and certification tests on their own time. Part 2: In person Link & Learn class. Volunteers will need to bring copies of volunteer agreement forms from Link and Learn online that show passing test scores to be allowed into class. Class will cover NYS tax law and C.A.S.H. updates. Classes for part 2 listed below. Choose one class and register online via Link & Learn 1 Thu 1/9 1:00pm 5:00pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 Link & Learn 2 Wed 1/15 5:30pm 9:30pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 Open Lab Extra Time to practice returns or complete the IRS test An experienced volunteer will be available to assist you during our open lab sessions. Volunteers are also encouraged to attend any of the Test sessions offered during the BASIC and Advanced courses. Wed 1/15 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 Fri 1/17 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 Sat 1/18 1:00 PM 5:00 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 101 Page 10

12 Additional Training & Certification for Experienced Volunteers (Optional) Quality Review Training This is for experienced tax preparer volunteers only. IRS Advanced Certification must be completed BEFORE taking the Quality Review class. Register for ONE Quality Review class online at QR 1 Sat 1/11 1:00pm 5:00pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 109 QR 2 Wed 1/15 8:30 AM 12:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 QR 3 Thu 1/16 5:30 PM 9:30 PM MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 101 QR 4 Fri 1/17 1:00pm 5:00pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 102 Cancellation of Debt (COD) Certification Class We have seen an increase in the number of C.A.S.H. clients with canceled debt. In most cases, cancelled debt must be included in income. Volunteers who complete this training will be certified to prepare returns for clients who have cancellation of debt for their home or a nonbusiness credit card. We encourage all experienced volunteers to complete this training. IRS Advanced Certification must be completed BEFORE taking the COD class. Register for ONE Cancellation of Debt class online at COD 1 Mon 1/13 1:00pm 3:00pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 COD 2 Sat 1/18 1:00pm 3:00pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 101 Health Savings Account (HSA) Certification Class Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are gaining popularity among C.A.S.H. clients. HSAs allow individuals with high deductible health insurance to use tax deductible contributions to pay qualified medical expenses. We encourage all experienced volunteers to complete this training. IRS Basic or Advanced Certification must be completed BEFORE taking the HSA class. Register for ONE Health Savings Account (HSA) class online at HSA 1 Tue 1/14 5:30pm 7:30pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 101 HSA 2 Thu 1/16 1:00pm 3:00pm MCC Brighton, Bldg 11 Rm 104 Page 11

13 Additional information for Tax Preparers: The I.R.S. website ( has the most complete and up to date information on all tax topics. Once at the site, click on the box near the top that says Tax Professionals. Type in any topic and get detailed information. Also in the Tax Professional sections on the left side of the page under IRS Resources, there is a link for Forms and Publications. Type in the name, number or topic and the whole form or publication will be downloaded. This can be very helpful. Page 12

14 United Way/Red Cross College Avenue Page 13

15 MCC Brighton Campus Map Page 14